2021 Kia Sorento vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander

The Kia Sorento is well-known for its all-around reliability, versatility, impressive safety features, and long-lasting resilience. This midsize crossover SUV boasts some of the best features that make up the Kia brand. 

You might still need some convincing as to all that this SUV can offer you, which is why we here at Tom Kadlec Kia in Rochester, Minnesota, went ahead and researched how the new Sorento stacks up against another popular competitor of its class: the all-new Toyota Highlander. Although Toyota is a brand known for its family-friendly and efficient vehicles, Kia provides a challenge to Toyota's prestige in these areas. 

Exterior Design

Toyota and Kia have taken different approaches to designing their crossover SUVs. Toyota gets a bit aggressive, rejecting the idea that a three-row crossover SUV has to be a drab box. The 2021 Highlander's squinting headlights, bulging flanks, and big grille refuse to be considered boring. 

The 2021 Sorento is generally more conservative and crisp. It has simpler, straighter lines, with fewer curves, sharper creases, and a more elegant vibe. It has its own unusual points, including a unique vertical line splitting taillights into two parts and a wave-shape on the side window trim. Overall, the 2021 Highlander is the more extroverted model, while the new Sorento has a cleaner look.

Interior

The 2021 Toyota Highlander brought a significantly improved interior with richer materials, more user-friendly controls, and an upgraded infotainment system. Particularly on the top-notch Platinum model, you'll see both a high-tech and high-end vibe. For the infotainment system, the Highlander's lower trims now get an 8-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a 12.3-inch screen is available on higher trims. 

The 2021 Sorento, on the other hand, lets you pick between two touch-screen sizes (10.25 inches and 8 inches), and while the 2021 Highlander's maximum screen size is larger, the Sorento's system tends to be easier to use and more responsive than that of the Highlander. Also, at least if you stick with the base screen size, you can use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly. And the interior ambiance of the Sorento is no less appealing compared to the Highlander's, with high-quality materials and a more consistent panel.

When it comes to cargo space, the 2021 Toyota Highlander has a more spacious interior and greater capacity. It gives you 84 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded down, 48.4 cubic feet with the back row folded down, and 16 cubic feet behind its third-row seat with all rows up.

The new Sorento, on the other hand, is a little roomier than the previous model, but it still holds less cargo compared to the Highlander: 12.6 cubic feet behind the third-row seat with all seats up, 45 cubic feet behind the second row with the third row folded down, and 75.5 cubic feet with all seats up. The third-row seats in the new Sorento are also adjustable to provide you with more space when you need it most. 

Towing

The 2021 Toyota Highlander is strong enough to tow about 5,000 pounds. When fitted with the standard AWD system and V-6 engine, the Highland's towing rating increases by about 1,500 pounds. Its trailer sway control technology is a standard feature that increases towing on all trims. On the other hand, the new Sorento maxes out at around 3,500 pounds, which is less than its predecessor's towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. 

Fuel Economy (MPG)

Despite its large V-6 engine, the 2021 Toyota Highlander holds its own for fuel economy. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pegs it up to 29 mpg on the highway, 21 mpg in the city, and 24 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, and 27 mpg on the highway, 20 mpg in the city, and 23 mpg combined with all-wheel drive. The Highlander hybrid gets about 35 mpg on the highway and in the city in all three variations the EPA tested. 

Still, the less powerful and smaller Sorento comes out ahead. Its non-turbo engine provides 29 mpg on the highway, 24 mpg in the city, and 26 mpg combined with front-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, the Sorento's engine provides 25 mpg highway, 23 mpg in the city, and 24 mpg combined. The more powerful turbo is similar: 29 mpg on the highway, 22 mpg in the city, and 25 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, and 1 mpg less with all-wheel drive. The Sorento Hybrid, which is sold only with front-wheel drive, earns ratings of 35 mpg on the highway, 39 mpg in the city, and 37 mpg combined. 

Performance

The 2021 Sorento feels more agile and solid. While still all-out sporty, the new Sorento drives with more composure without compromising comfort. It comes with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 191 horsepower. The Highlander, on the other hand, features an impressive 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Although the 2021 Toyota Highlander rides well most of the time, it feels less substantial than the 2021 Kia Sorento when it hits a bump. Also, its steering feels less natural compared to Kia's.

Dimensions

The 2021 Sorento's size specs and measurements are quite impressive. It's 74.4 inches wide, 189 inches long, and 66.3 inches tall. It also has 7.3-inch ground clearance, a 109.4-inch wheelbase, a 16.9-degree approach angle, and a 21-degree departure angle. On the other hand, the 2021 Toyota Highlander is 76.0 inches wide, 194.9 inches long, and 68.1 inches tall. It also has 8.0-in ground clearance, a 112.2-inch wheelbase, a 17.9-degree angle of approach, and a 23.0-degree angle of departure. 

Safety

Both vehicles come with driver-assist technology and high-end safety, including automatic high beams, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The 2021 Sorento also comes with a leading vehicle departure alert that will notify you if a stopped vehicle in front of you starts moving. Its options include cross-traffic and cyclist monitors for automatic emergency braking. The Highlander counters by providing adaptive cruise control as a standard feature even on the base model.

If you're looking for a Kia dealership in Rochester, Minnesota, look no further than Tom Kadlec Kia. We can help you find the Kia model that best fits your lifestyle and personality. We also have a vast selection of quality used vehicles. Reach out to us by phone at 507-215-8923 to schedule a time to come in, or you can access our website and browse our new and used inventory. We look forward to giving you excellent customer service and a stress-free shopping experience.

Featured Sorento image via Kia Dot Com, featured Highlander image via Toyota Dot Com.